My CHQ Podcast

This one came straight from a live chat — and we think that's what makes it so good. Jamestown City Council Member Daniel Gonzalez joined us for a candid, unscripted conversation about the state of Jamestown. We covered what's working, what still needs work, and what residents can expect going forward. Pull up a seat and join the conversation on this week's My CHQ Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Nelson, the president of Healing for Heroes, a veterans retreat located in Bemus Point dedicated to supporting those who have served. We discuss the mission behind the retreat, how healing environments can make a real difference for veterans, and why this kind of support matters so deeply in our local community. We also talk about the story behind the organiza...

What happens when a child enters the foster care system, and who makes sure their voice is heard? In this episode, we talk with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Chautauqua County about the powerful role their volunteers play in advocating for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. From building one-on-one relationships to standing up for a child’s best interests in court, CASA...

What if movement wasn't about changing your body, but celebrating it? This week on the My CHQ Podcast, I sat down with Andrea DiMaio, the founder of Ample Movement, right here in Chautauqua County. Ample Movement started as a weight-neutral hiking group for folks who felt excluded in more traditional outdoor groups, and has since grown to include yoga classes and other outdoor activities. Andrea's...

Osaze Ibhawa didn't originally plan to be a counselor. But after discovering psychology in college, he found his calling! Eventually, he brought that calling right here to Jamestown. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Urban Mental Health Counseling Services, Osaze works with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and more. In this episode of the My CHQ Podcast, he ope...

Suicide rates in rural America are nearly 65% higher than in urban areas — and yet mental health resources in those communities are scarce. Jeff Winton, founder of Rural Minds and a Chautauqua County native, is working to change that. In this conversation, Jeff shares the deeply personal story behind why he started Rural Minds, what he's learned about breaking stigma in farming communities, and wh...

Welcome to season 2 of the My CHQ Podcast! This week, we're turning it up to eleven! I sat down with Anthony Merchant, the General Manager of WRFA radio, host of The Power Chord Hour Podcast, and so much more! We chat about what it takes to run a community radio station, his love for music, and what drives him to keep the mic on. Whether you're a radio nerd, a podcast junkie, or just love great co...

This episode was recorded in 2024, but I wanted to share it with our new podcast community! Today on the My CHQ Podcast, we’re joined by Zac Hnatyszyn , the Vice President of Community Outreach at Culture Care Senior Living , for an honest, insightful look into what senior living looks like. Zac sheds light on the misconceptions many families have about senior communities, how Culture Care builds...

In this episode of the My CHQ Podcast, we sit down with Kayla Crosby — CEO of #IntegrityFirst and owner of the newly relocated and renamed Lake Erie Jackals. Kayla shares the story behind the team’s growth, the decision to embrace a new name, and how the Jackals continue to expand their role in the Basketball Super League. More importantly, she dives into the mission-driven work of #IntegrityFirst...

In this episode of the My CHQ Podcast, Dylan sits down with Linnea Haskin of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County to explore how CCE is strengthening our local food system and increasing access to healthy, affordable food for families across the region. Linnea shares insight into the programs that connect local farms directly with the community, the importance of food education, and...

In this episode of The My CHQ Podcast , we speak with Daniel Gonzalez , a candidate for Jamestown City Council At-Large . Dan shares his perspectives on key issues facing the city, his priorities if elected, and his vision for the future of Jamestown. 👉 This conversation is part of our ongoing series highlighting local voices, community leaders, and candidates shaping Chautauqua County. For more...

We’re kicking off The My CHQ Podcast with a powerful conversation about justice, community, and change right here at home. Justin Hubbard joins us to share the story behind the Jamestown Justice Coalition , their goals, the impact they’ve made so far, and how everyone in Jamestown can play a part in building a better future. Jamestown Justice Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/JamestownJusticeCoa...